1

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website.

Please email cda_scbgp@state.co.us if you would like to be notified of future SCBGP funding opportunities.

Program Status CLOSED

FFY2025 SCBGP Applications

How to Apply

Please review the FFY2025 SCBG Concept Proposal Instructions for full application information. 

Colorado will award approximately $700,000 to projects through the FFY2025 SCBGP application period.

Producer groups and other organizations of specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply with projects lasting from approximately January 1, 2026 to November 15, 2027, either as single entities or in combined efforts. Proposals from individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will benefit a broader group of similar producers, region or industry segment. 

All Grant Proposals must fully describe the project’s purpose, potential impact, measurable outcomes, indicators, work plan, budget narrative, oversight, and commitment.

CDA’s competitive solicitation process will be divided into two phases: 

  • Phase I: Concept Proposal 
  • Phase II: Grant Proposal

Interested applicants must fill out the online Concept Proposal form below no later than February 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. MT. 

All applicants will be notified whether they have been selected to participate in Phase II of the project no later than April 1, 2025. 

Review the FFY2025 SCBG Concept Proposal Instructions 

Helpful Resources for Applicants

USDA resources: 

For technical issues, trouble with the Concept Proposal Template, or other linked documentation, please email us at: cda_scbgp@state.co.us

 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to its services, programs, activities, education, employment, and applications. If accommodation or assistance is requested, please contact us at cda_a11y@state.co.us or 303-869-9000.

SCBGP 2025 Schedule

Phase I: Concept Proposal

  • Request for concept proposals: Opens January 2025
  • SCBGP Live Q&A Session: January 23, 2025, 10 am - 11 am 
  • Concept proposals due: February 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. MT
  • Committee reviews proposals: February 24 -March 14, 2025
  • Final Project approval: approximately March 28, 2025

Phase II: Grant Proposal 

This phase is by invitation only.

  • Invitation to submit grant proposals: Prior to April 1, 2025
  • Phase II grant proposals due: TBD - mid-April 2025
  • Grant proposals sent to USDA for approval: May 1, 2025

Grant Award

  • Announcement of award funding: September 2025
  • Contracting with CDA: September-December 2025
  • Project start: January 1, 2026 or when contract is executed
  • Project end date: No later than November 15, 2027

 

 

 

Informational Webinar

Watch a recorded question and answer session with the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program managers to learn about the program for 2025

 

Contact Us

Colorado Department of Agriculture
Markets Division
305 Interlocken Parkway
Broomfield, CO 80021
(303) 869-9170
cda_scbgp@state.co.us

 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) email: program.intake@usda.gov